HF 21 Summary

• Appropriates $61,387,000 from the environment and natural resources trust fund for fiscal year 2021 across nine major categories: foundational data, water resources, education and outreach, invasive species, air quality, land/water/habitat protection, land acquisition, and emerging issues.

• Funds extensive research and restoration projects including geologic surveys, ecological monitoring networks, pollinator habitat restoration, invasive species management (emerald ash borer, zebra mussels, aquatic invasive carp), and water quality initiatives addressing PFAS contamination.

• Allocates $29.9 million for land acquisition and recreation projects including state parks, trails, regional parks system expansion, and habitat improvements at locations like Voyageurs National Park and Upper St. Anthony Falls.

• Modifies previous appropriations from 2017 and 2018 laws by extending deadline availability for certain projects and transferring $2.768 million from a canceled dam removal project to algal bloom research, COVID-19 wastewater studies, emerald ash borer management, and native plant lawn conversion programs.

• Establishes requirements for all funded projects including work plans, restoration standards using native plants, data accessibility, public acknowledgment of trust fund support, and compliance with accessibility and energy conservation guidelines.